Hi-Rail GeoCone Profiler™ | Precision Subgrade Testing
- No-Dig Railway Subgrade Profiling Up to 50+ Feet Deep
- Most Work Completed Under Form B Protection
- Gathers High-Resolution Subsurface Data Beneath Active Rail Tracks
The Hi-Rail GeoCone Profiler™ lets you complete most work under Form B protection while gathering deep, high-resolution subsurface data directly under active rail lines. This nimble GeoCone system gathers valuable subgrade data and is built on a lightweight UTV chassis with integrated hi-rail gear for fast deployment and minimal downtime.
Why Prime Contractors, Geotechnical Engineers, and Rail Engineers Choose the GeoCone Profiler™
Continuous Track-Level Mobility
Drives directly down active rail lines under proper protection. Operators execute rapid blow-count tests and roll immediately to the next location.
Zero Disturbance to Track Geometry
Tests directly between ties without anchoring or excavation, leaving ballast and track structure completely intact.
10x Deeper Than Standard DCPs
Traditional handheld DCP testing stops at 4-8 feet due to human fatigue. Our automated, hydraulically driven heavy hammer drives tests 30-50+ feet deep to map compromised strata and void spaces.
Test Soils Directly Affected by Track Loads
Heavy drill rigs are often required to test “nearby” due to access and clearance limits. The Hi-Rail GeoCone Profiler tests directly beneath the load line where rail settlement, mud pumping, and track deflection actually occur.
Data-Driven Project Scoping
Provides exact N-value density profiles prior to remediation, ensuring accurate estimates. This minimizes and often eliminates costly change orders from poor scoping.
Technical Specifications vs. Traditional Investigation Methods
| Feature | Standard Handheld DCP | Heavy Geo Drill Rigs | Hi-Rail GeoCone Profiler™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration Depth | Limited to 4′-8′ max | 50’+ | 30′-50’+ (Continuous) |
| Track & Ballast Impact | Minimal (Shallow only) | High (Disturbs track geometry) | Zero Disturbance (2′ hole) |
| Testing Location | Between Ties (Shallow) | 40’+ Off-track (Off load-line) | Between Ties |
| Mobilization | Hand-carried | Heavy transport or Heavy Truck Mounted Rig | Pickup & Trailer / Rapid Hi-Rail Rail UTV |
| Track Outage Needed | Short (Low data yield) | Extended line blockage | Minimal (Rapid On/Off Access) |
Targeted Rail Applications
- Trackbed Settlement & Dip Diagnosis: Locate weak subgrade strata causing repeating vertical alignment drops.
- Mud Pumping Analysis: Identify saturated ballast and subgrade failure planes under active traffic.
- Bridge Approaches & Ties: Map differential settlement where rigid bridge abutments meet flexible trackbed.
- Industrial Spurs & Rail Yards: Evaluate load-bearing capacity for heavy-haul loading zones, crossovers, and scale tracks.
- Pre-Injection Scoping: Establish precise depth profiles for high-density polyurethane foam (HDPF) and chemical grouting.
Fast, Flexible Mobilization
Because the GeoCone rig is mounted on a lightweight UTV chassis rather than a semi-truck or heavy drill rig, it mobilizes nationwide on a standard pickup trailer.
